The Fact of a Body: A Murder and a Memoir by Alexandria Marzano-Lesnevich Published by Flatiron Books on May 16th 2017
Pages: 336
Genres: True Crime, Memoir
Format: Hardcover
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository
Goodreads
Before Alexandria Marzano-Lesnevich begins a summer job at a law firm in Louisiana, working to help defend men accused of murder, she thinks her position is clear. The child of two lawyers, she is staunchly anti-death penalty. But the moment convicted murderer Ricky Langley’s face flashes on the screen as she reviews old tapes―the moment she hears him speak of his crimes―she is overcome with the feeling of wanting him to die. Shocked by her reaction, she digs deeper and deeper into the case. Despite their vastly different circumstances, something in his story is unsettlingly, uncannily familiar.
Crime, even the darkest and most unsayable acts, can happen to any one of us. As Alexandria pores over the facts of the murder, she finds herself thrust into the complicated narrative of Ricky’s childhood. And by examining the details of Ricky’s case, she is forced to face her own story, to unearth long-buried family secrets, and reckon with a past that colors her view of Ricky's crime.
But another surprise awaits: She wasn’t the only one who saw her life in Ricky’s.
An intellectual and emotional thriller that is also a different kind of murder mystery, The Fact Of a Body is a book not only about how the story of one crime was constructed―but about how we grapple with our own personal histories. Along the way it tackles questions about the nature of forgiveness, and if a single narrative can ever really contain something as definitive as the truth. This groundbreaking, heart-stopping work, ten years in the making, shows how the law is more personal than we would like to believe―and the truth more complicated, and powerful, than we could ever imagine.
About Alexandria Marzano-Lesnevich
It’s been ages since I’ve read any True Crime but this one sounds like an original twist to the genre.
What are you waiting on this Wednesday?
What an interesting book and concept. Sounds like something I would definitely grab if I saw it on the shelves at my local library. Looking forward to seeing some reviews.
Barb (boxermommyreads) recently posted…Can’t Wait Wednesday (100) – Cassius Celebrates 100!
Yeah I think I’ll definitely be trying this one. Hope it’s as good as it sounds!
Bonnie recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday – Sleeping Beauties: A Novel by Stephen King and Owen King
The blurb makes it sound like fiction, but it’s true crime? Interesting. I can’t remember the last time I read true crime, maybe Helter Skelter?
Tammy @ Books, Bones & Buffy recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday [242] – GODSGRAVE by Jay Kristoff
Oh man, I’ve wanted to read Helter Skelter forever (I went through a HUGE true crime phase when I was a teen but never got my hands on that one). It does sound like fiction though, doesn’t it? Will be interested to see how it reads. 🙂
Bonnie recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday – Sleeping Beauties: A Novel by Stephen King and Owen King
Oooh, this sounds very twisty and dark. I haven’t read true crime in years probably, but I’m definitely feeling a bit burned out on my usual genres so maybe it’s time to switch things up!
Danya @ Fine Print recently posted…Review: Huntress by Malinda Lo
That’s what I was thinking! Although considering In Cold Blood is still on my TBR I should read that first. 🙂
Bonnie recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday – Sleeping Beauties: A Novel by Stephen King and Owen King
Wow! A murder mystery! I hope you enjoy this book!
Ronyell (a.k.a Rabbitearsblog) recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday #33: Now I Rise by Kiersten White
Thanks, Ronyell. 🙂
Bonnie recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday – Sleeping Beauties: A Novel by Stephen King and Owen King
I love checking in on your blog for WoWs! You find such interesting books that are rarely on my radar already. It’s been years since my true crime reading days (hello 15 yo Jessie!) but this is very tempting.
I hope you get to review this one. I am curious!
Jessie recently posted…April TBR Planning
Aw, thanks Jessie! Sometimes I think that my blog traffic suffers because I’m not posting about the super popular ones but I like bringing attention to the little guys. 🙂 And ha! Same. I haven’t read True Crime since I was a teen although I really don’t know why I stopped. I still need to read In Cold Blood though so I should make that happen.
Bonnie recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday – Sleeping Beauties: A Novel by Stephen King and Owen King